2011-12 Civility Icons

Congratulations to our 2011-2012 Civility Icons!

Students Icons

Joshua Byrd

Nominated by: Kirstee Novak

Kirstee wrote: "Josh Byrd most definitely embodies the values of a civility champion
(or even ICON) to me, because for a majority of the first semester fall 2011, I noticed
Josh consistently assist a fellow student with a disability weekly, by helping him
carry his books and heavy bookbag to and from class and up the stairs. Josh would
intentionally walk with his fellow student to and from class in order to assist him
and care for him. This embodies the three values of a civility champion to me because
Josh definitely projected care and compassion for this student, as well as empathy
to carry his books and backpack to class. He also showed this student respect by offering
to help him each day with something he could potentially struggle with."

Cipriano Vargas

Nominated by: Lisa Dickinson

Lisa wrote: "As a standout student leader at CSUSM in multiple leadership roles, Cipriano
has made a direct impact on the Civility Campaign as a student representative in addition
to his positions as ASI social justice officer and chair of USUAB. Aside from his
positions, Cipriano attended the Washington D.C. Alternative Spring Break trip. On
this trip, Cipriano dedicated time and energy to Habitat for Humanity, building homes
and giving spirit to low-income families. Cipriano impresses me daily with his selfless
actions, maturity beyond his peers and consideration of others. Cipriano has my highest
recommendation as Champion for the Civility Campaign."

Travis Wilson

Nominated by: Greg Toya

Greg wrote: "Travis is an advocate of the Civility Campaign. As President of ASI,
Inc., Travis supported inclusion of Civility in an ASI statement against hateful freedom
of speech material. Travis also met with me and advocated for the Civility Campaign
by having ASI purchase 750 Civility bracelets to distribute to the CSUSM community.
Travis also attended the Exchange student training. I see Travis proudly wearing the
Green Civility T-shirt on Civility T-shirt days."

Staff Icons:

Danielle McMartin

Nominated by: Tiffany Gabbard

Tiffany wrote: "I have the privilege of working with Danielle on a daily basis and
can witness the kindness and respect she gives to each one of the students that come
into her path. For her patience, grace under fire, and extreme generosity of spirit,
she deserves to be recognized by our staff and all the many international students
she serves. I am lucky to learn even a fraction from her example. She is a remarkable
role model, friend, & Civility Champion."

Shannon Nolan

Nominated by: Maya Alvarez

Maya wrote: "Shannon exudes civility in each and every conversation that she has;
she is respectful and helps our students be informed while still caring for their
feelings. I think Shannon is one of the most well rounded staff members on our campus.
She provides leadership, can empathize with our students and colleagues, and lastly, whomever she comes into contact with will always be greeted with a smile.
I have seen her help potential CSUSM students and families find different areas on
campus, as well as ask students whom she doesn't know how their day is. She is a friendly,
warm soul and displays civility for all to see."

Donna San Miguel

Nominated by: Michele Ojeda

Michele wrote: "For the past few months, I have been training with Donna. It hasn't
all been easy for me, but Donna has treated me like an equal, with respect and dignity,
while I learn new processes and procedures. (Not easy for an "older" gal!) She has
shown empathy as I struggle through some of the concepts and I truly honor her attitude
and care she shows me through training and on a daily basis."

Faculty Icons:

Veronica Anover

Nominated by: Tiffany Gabbard

Tiffany wrote: "Veronica is truly one of nicest individuals on the planet. I love
her warmth, charisma, and the passion with which she teaches. She is such a believer
in the value of international education and this stems from her intense interest in
the world and her love for humanity. I appreciate what a support she has been to me,
to the Office of Global Education, and to the campus community at large. What a remarkable
professor and friend!"

Shana Bass

Nominated by: Sammi Carr

"In 2011-2012, I became aware of the Civility campaign on CSUSM's campus. For Spring
2012, I thought that my Political Science courses could use a dose of civility and
community, and that the civility themes of "Care, Respect, and Empathy" would be useful
to emphasize for the discussions of politics and controversial issues that repeatedly
arise in my courses. As part of my introductory discussion to our Classroom Code of
Conduct, I discussed the campus Civility campaign and its themes and introduced a
civility bracelet specifically for students in each of my courses. I handed the bracelet
out the first day to a student who exemplified civility to his/her classmates in our
discussion, and then the student wearing the bracelet was to personally pass it on
at the end of each class period to another student who exemplified civility that day.
This plan worked very well in my classes and bracelets are still in circulation."

Laura de Ghetaldi

Nominated by: Lisa Dickinson

Lisa wrote: "Dr. Laura de Ghetaldi is an exemplary individual in every capacity and
should be given full consideration to receive the ICON award for the Civility Campaign
for 2011/2012. As professor for the Kinesiology Department and College of Education,
she impacts every one of her students not only academically, but personally, emphasizing
compassion and humanity, care, and respect for others, including those less fortunate.
This semester, Dr. Laura was the catalyst behind the Arts & Lecture/USUAB program
& film screening entitled "Somewhere Near Tapachula" held on 4/3/2012. The film focuses
on the unique surfing community pioneered by two Australians who run their own orphanage
called Mision Mexico, and use surfing as a tool to help heal the 54 children in their
care, all of whom have been either abandoned, abused, neglected or orphaned. Dr. Laura's
vision was to feature the story of hope and empowerment, while raising funds and needed
supplies for the children of the orphanage. Dr. Laura, her classes and community connections
have raised one thousand dollars for Mision Mexico. Dr. Laura has secured volunteers
and future interns to work at the orphanage. She provided housing & food for one of
the orphans featured in the documentary, so he could speak directly to our CSUSM community
at this event. Another example of Dr. Laura's civil acts this semester is when she
pursued a posthumous award opportunity for a Kinesiology student who passed away from
leukemia last semester. I was happy to learn this week that Dr. Laura received approval
for a posthumous award and has personally invited the student's parents to attend
graduation. Dr. Laura de Ghetaldi is an outstanding faculty member and even better
person, and I hope this nomination indicates that. She fully supports the mission
of the CSUSM civility campaign in her classroom teachings and daily actions."